This song was actually inspired by Karen and Vic in Chat. He was talking about how spread out his family is and their mother was faced with seeing her children only sparsely. Although some grand children were nearby. It got me to thinking about the vast distances between loved ones back in the day of immigration from Ireland…by sea to America and Canada. To places like Ellis Island, Boston and Galveston. Where loved ones would leave out of necessity , never to be seen again. A departure not like death, but in many ways more poignant. In Gwedore of Donegal, Ireland, along the road from Falcarragh, family would walk with their departing loved one to The Bridge of Tears. Say goodbye and part there to return to their homes not knowing each other's futures. Were they to be safe? Will they ever be seen again. Not knowing when, if or how they oneday might pass away.

Also the recent passing of my uncle got me to thinking about my parents, sister and other loved ones who have gone before to be with the Lord.

The song also embodies some core beliefs that I have held for many years. Spirits, soul mates, kindred souls seem drawn together as if they were created near to one another at the beginning of creation. The Shadow of God’s Wings. Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Offering protection to those even in times of great distress. Others who have passed on all too soon are embedded in this song. Erica, Ed, Gary.... A gathering again. God's Promise that we will someday be together again.

I can only guess the thoughts of those who have helped so generously to this song.

They are:
Jim (Ren-Tin-10) Electric Guitar (thank you thank you for the sweet solo and your enthusiastic encouragement… and video.)
DavisAmerica2 (Terry) – Vocals- You brought it up to the level it needed
KTB (John) Piano- sometimes I just mute everything out and just listen.
Pickquickrecords (Chris)- Guitar Effects- the icing on the cake
Scofugate (Scott)- Drums. Scott, Where would I be without you, my friend?

Dark Waters
oh this sounds SO WONDERFUL you guys! congrats to each of you. it was a real pleasure being a fly on the wall listening to this project develop. andy, you put all of this together masterfully - i just absolutely love it!

Karen
So glad to have had you along. I wanted you to play the piano but you floated me over to KTB. Man, what a find. I have pestered him to no end ever since. We have another song in the works. Scott threw in on it too. Just absolutely love you Karen. Thanks for all the encouragement over the years... he he... sound like a couple of old farts.

Dark Waters
Nice tune and mix. Good vocals and harmonies. Great playing by everyone ... really like the piano!!... steel guitar? Congrats on an excellent collab and an inspiring tune ... love the drifty ending.

Gadz
Thanks. I love that piano part too. John knocked that out of the park. Very nuanced. The 'steel' is Chris and some sweet slide guitar work. I plan on putting up an instrumental where the piano will really shine thru.

Ktb
What can I tell ya. This meant so much to me and to have you carry the piano was a real gift. Karen guided me your way and am really glad she did. I'll leave you alone for awhile- after this next one :)

Bittersweet.
I don't know if we see each other again. Maybe, it is not important. There's that passage that there are no husbands and no wives. I kind of would like to see my cats that passed. Oh, well. Someday, we'll know. Great band. Thanks.

Char
I would like to be able to see people again. The bible sez that there are no more tears so that means if your cats are with you again for that to occur then let it be so I have a dog named Chuckles that I would like to go chasin rabbits with again. These guys are a great band - you got that right.

Dec. 1970
I fell in love with a piece of vinyl. "All Things Must Pass" was a spiritual and textured beauty of an album ..... this track takes me back. About the band ... some of the best here and they sound fantastic. Mr. Sax it is good to hear your "Voice" .... terrific track..... downloaded.

This is one gorgeous song!
I truly believe that there are many times in our lives where "See you later" is more appropriate than "Goodbye," and I look forward to that reunion. Thanks for letting me join in on this Andy. It's always an honor to play with such a talented bunch. Great performance by all, and a great mix.

this is like a super duper collab
Where have I been, what fascinates me the most is the fact that all these elements by all of these different artist come together so seamlessly. THere will be a gathering again those who rise out of the memorial tombs will cry with happiness to see their loved ones again!

Scott
scott scott scott.... Letting you/. Man- you just dont know how happy it made me to know that you were working on the song... I wasnt worried at all about how long it was taking.... and it wasnt that long really- Because to wait for your drum parts were well worth it! Thank you!

jack is rubbing off on you
awesome tune and even awesomer production. andy, you mixed magic here. an amazing group of artists, but this piece is so much greater than just the sum of its parts. kudos to all of you and thank you.

LB
Thanks! I imagine we collectively all count The Band as one of our favorites... I am not sure as we never actually had that kind of conversation... but it all has to come from somewhere in the mix. Thanks for the kind words. All these guys are great...

I
love the laid back feel to this wonderful song, a great melody and arrangement with some fine musicians playing on this collab.
The piano sounds great and I love your sax Andy.
Good vocals and very much enjoyed.

Bob
a very cool comment to a bunch of cool guys. Wish we could all play live, but then- that's how fist fights get started. ; )
The piano is the key to this song. I am going to work on the instrumental of this soon

"My pain of missing you"
Such a wonderful Musical presentation and the description is both moving and inspirational...Can't help but feel this deeply emotional piece my friend..Wonderful...Mix Magic..Musicianship Supreme...Sound for Days..

I play a Cannonball Tenor Saxophone and a 1968 Selmer Mark VI Alto I don't attempt to sound like any other sax player but look for my own sound and sometimes it looks for me. I live in the Dallas area.
Collaboration Sites:
Siren's Headban... [see more]